JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng — As South Africans prepare for the upcoming local government elections in November, service delivery concerns are taking centre stage, with Jukskei River pollution and failing wastewater infrastructure emerging as critical issues for Johannesburg residents. Beyond traditional concerns like roads, electricity, and refuse collection, the severe environmental decline along the city’s waterways is increasingly influencing community sentiment and voter engagement.
Residents living near the Jukskei and Klip rivers, including those in Kya Sands and Alexandra, report being subjected to daily exposure to untreated sewage, foul odours, and heavily contaminated water. Community members emphasize that this is no longer just an environmental concern, but a pressing daily reality that severely impacts their quality of life and poses significant public health risks.
A local water and sanitation advocate representing Alexandra residents highlighted that the community has been fighting this battle for years. The activist pointed to aging municipal infrastructure and the City of Johannesburg’s repeated failures to maintain wastewater treatment systems and sewer networks as the primary culprits behind the river’s current state.
The community spokesperson explained that historical developments, such as Extension 7, were built without anticipating future population growth, leaving the existing infrastructure vastly undersized. Compounding the issue, residents in informal settlements along the river’s floodplains lack basic services, including running water and flush toilets. This lack of service delivery inevitably leads to refuse being dumped into the river. Efforts to relocate these communities have also faced resistance from long-term residents, creating a complex service delivery deadlock that continues to degrade the waterway.
Regarding municipal engagement, the activist confirmed that the community has consistently engaged with the City of Johannesburg, the Department of Water and Sanitation, and the mayor’s office. However, frequent administrative changes following mayoral transitions have hindered consistent progress. The advocate noted that formal letters have been sent to both the mayor and the city manager, urging immediate intervention, proper service delivery, and the managed relocation of affected households.
When asked if the river’s deplorable condition would affect voter registration and participation, the spokesperson acknowledged that some residents feel disillusioned and have expressed a desire to disengage from the electoral process. However, the advocate strongly encourages community members to vote, emphasizing that civic participation is the only way to hold the government accountable and ensure their voices are heard. “You cannot speak on something that you never participated in,” the activist noted, urging residents to use their votes to demand change.
Rating the City of Johannesburg’s management of the Jukskei River, the community spokesperson gave a stark 1 out of 10. The activist emphasized that the Jukskei River is a recognized heritage site that requires urgent rehabilitation. This includes the installation of gabions to prevent severe erosion during heavy rains, with the ultimate goal of restoring the river to its former, healthy state.
As the November elections approach, the state of Johannesburg’s rivers remains a glaring indicator of municipal performance. With communities demanding tangible action over broken promises, environmental degradation and basic service delivery are poised to be decisive factors at the ballot box.
